HE531VE 2881992 VGT Turbocharger for Cummins ISM QSM11 11.0L

HE531VE

The HE531V / HE531VE is the Holset VGT turbocharger for the Cummins ISM, ISME, and QSM11 11.0L engines, covering a wide production span from 1999 through 2015. This is the larger VGT turbo for the ISM platform — bigger than the HE431V and used on higher-HP ISM ratings with EGR and EPA02 emissions systems. It uses a pneumatic VGT actuator. Holset master number 3768262, Cummins assembly 2881992. At about 75 lbs, this is a heavy turbo — use a hoist or get help during installation. Built new with all new components, dynamically balanced, ships with actuator and gaskets. We supply shops, fleets, and distributors.

Turbo Model

HE531V / HE531VE (VGT, pneumatic actuator)

OEM / Interchange Numbers

2881992, 3768262, 3768266H, 4035854, 4037261, 4038986, 4089578, 4038756

Application

1999-2015 Cummins ISM, ISME, QSM11, QDM11 11.0L (EGR/EPA02)

Service & Support

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FAQ

The HE531V (2881992 / 3768262) fits the Cummins ISM, ISME, QSM11, and QDM11 11.0L engines from 1999-2015. It covers EGR/EPA02 emissions systems. OEM numbers include 3768266H, 4035854, 4037261, 4038756, 4038986, 4089578, 3781166, and 4955304.

Pneumatic. The VGT vanes are controlled by a boost-pressure canister. No electronic actuator, no wiring, no ECM calibration.

The HE431V (5350060) is the smaller VGT turbo for 370 HP CM875 ISM applications (2005-2007). The HE531V is larger and covers higher-HP ISM ratings across a wider year range (1999-2015). Match by part number.

Yes. Ships with the pneumatic VGT actuator and mounting gaskets.

Brand new, 100% new components, dynamically balanced. No core charge. One-year unlimited-mileage warranty.

Yes. US stock, volume pricing for shops, fleets, rebuilders, and distributors.

HE531V/HE531VE for Cummins ISM 11.0L: The Heavy-Duty ISM VGT Turbo

The HE531V is the primary VGT turbo for the Cummins ISM and QSM11 11.0L engine family. It has been in production for over 15 years and covers a wide range of truck and industrial applications. If your ISM has a VGT turbo with a pneumatic actuator, this is very likely the turbo you need.

HE531V on the ISM vs HE431V on the ISM

Both turbos serve the ISM/QSM11 platform, but the HE531V is the larger unit for higher-HP applications:

DetailHE531V (this page)HE431V
Frame sizeLarger (HE531 series)Smaller (HE431 series)
HP rangeHigher HP ISM ratings370 HP CM875
Years1999-20152005-2007
Weight~75 lbsLighter
Key part #2881992 / 37682625350060 / 4955462

Match by the part number on the turbo nameplate. The HE531V and HE431V have different compressor and turbine sizes and are not interchangeable.

Wide application coverage

The HE531V (2881992) covers a large number of ISM/ISME/QSM11 CPLs and model years. It fits trucks from multiple OEMs including Freightliner, Kenworth, Peterbilt, International, and Western Star running the ISM 11.0L. The long production span means there are many interchange numbers — always verify by the Holset or Cummins number stamped on your old turbo.

Common failure modes

  • Pneumatic actuator diaphragm failure — the VGT canister diaphragm cracks from heat cycling over years of service. Vanes stick open (low power) or closed (overboosting).
  • Vane ring soot buildup — EGR-equipped ISM engines push soot back into the intake. Some of it reaches the VGT mechanism over time.
  • Bearing wear — at 400k-600k miles on highway trucks. Shaft play, oil leaks, rising EGT.

Installation

  • This turbo weighs about 75 lbs. Use a hoist or get a second pair of hands.
  • Ships with pneumatic VGT actuator and gaskets.
  • Connect the boost reference hose from intake manifold to the actuator canister.
  • Flush oil feed line. Replace oil drain gasket.
  • Prime with clean oil, idle 3-5 minutes before loading.

See our quality process for details.